You have an old fireplace that you want to modernize. You may not even use it, but you like the idea of a fireplace in your home. There are many ways to modernize your existing fireplace and make it a focal point of your living room or bedroom. Here are five ideas for updating that old-fashioned fireplace:
Paint it
The first step to updating your existing fireplace is to give its brickwork a facelift. A fresh coat of paint will modernize and protect the brickwork and make it look new again! The color choice you make here is critical—choose one that is similar to the existing color so as not to contrast with it too much, but also consider using one that contrasts with the existing color if you wish to your fireplace stand out from its surroundings.
You could also use white or grey for this purpose; these two colors are timeless and neutral enough that they won’t clash with any decorating scheme.
Make it a part of the room.
- Add a mantle. If there’s no mantel, you can always add one. You can find covers designed to fit an existing fireplace in all styles and finishes.
- Add a shelf to the fireplace. Frames are great for storing decorative items near the fireplace, like books, candles, or even things like plants and pictures!
- Add a mirror to the fireplace. Mirrors make any room seem bigger and brighter, so adding one above your hearth makes sense from aesthetic and practical perspectives. If you need more space for an entire mirror, consider adding a portion with custom molding that attaches directly to your existing mantelpiece (or in place of one if there isn’t one)
- Hang art above your hearth instead of on nearby walls — but make sure it doesn’t block views from other rooms!
Make a statement with stone.
An excellent way to modernize an existing fireplace is with stone. Stone can be used as a focal point, covering the entire fireplace or just part of it.
Stone is beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain. It’s usually made from natural materials such as quartz, granite, and marble mined from quarries worldwide (including Canada!). The most popular color choices include black slate, pinkish brown limestone, and white marble, which look great in any room whether it’s modern or traditional in style; however, if you want something more unique, then try grey sandstone with hints of green hues that add texture into any space — especially if you have dark floors!
Surround it with tile
Fireplace surround tiles are a great way to modernize an existing fireplace.
You can use them as a border around the fireplace opening or make them into a more formal surround with a rounded edge.
Add a pop of color!
Now that you’ve gone through the steps to modernize your fireplace, it’s time to finish up! Consider adding a pop of color to bring it all together as a final touch. If the room has neutral colors and you have a more traditional fireplace with details in golds, silvers, and browns, then this would be an ideal way to add some personality. You can also add mirrors or rugs for accent pieces that add another dimension to your space.
Conclusion
If you have an existing fireplace that needs a makeover, there are some things you can do to modernize it and give it a fresh new look. With some work, you can transform your fireplace into something that looks sleek and stylish and fits in with the rest of your home’s decor. If you’re unsure where to start, our team at Complete Construction DFW can help. Contact us today to learn more.